Illinois House Approves Constitutional Amendment

A proposed constitutional amendment on pension laws continues to advance in the Illinois legislature.

The measure would make it harder for governmental bodies to approve increases in pension benefits for public workers. The legislation is sponsored by House Speaker, Michael Madigan. It would require a three-fifths majority for any so-called "pension sweetener" deals to pass.

The bill cleared the House Wednesday and now goes to the Senate. It would also need voter approval before it could take effect.